2nd Sunday of Lent: 24 February 2013

Torah:  Genesis 12:1-9

Prophet:  Joshua 18:1-19:52

Writing:  Laminations 2:1-23

Psalm:  74

Epistle:  I  Corinthians 12: 1-31

Gospel:  Matthew 5: 13-26

Monday:   Heavenly Father, you are the Lord our God who delivers us.  Help us to remember that this is true, and that it is you who have made us, and not we ourselves.  This we ask through your blessed son, Yeshua.  Amen.

Dear Lord, you raised up Martin Luther to challenge the church in its errors to reform its ways.  Guide the church today that she may always be ready to correct errors and seek you in your word and sacraments.  This we ask in the name of our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen. 

Tuesday:  Heavenly Father, you alone are God, and you alone are worthy of all worship.  Help us that we may renounce and reject all false gods, whether ideas, or things, that we may truly love and serve you alone.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.

Yahweh Shabbaoth, you raised up your prophet Moshe to free the Hebrew people and to talk to you face to face.  Grant that we freed from our sins by the blood of Yeshuah would know the liberty of truly being your friends and children as Moshe was.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)(transferred from Sunday)

Wednesday:  Heavenly Father, we use your name in cursing, in greetings, and just in passing through.  Help us that when we pronounce your glorious name, that we should fear and respect you and your name always.  Through Yeshua whose name proclaims your salvation and healing power we pray.  Amen

Thursday:  Heavenly Father, you have commanded us to set aside a day of rest here on Earth.  Help us always to rest in you, to study your word, and to put you first on your day.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua who kept the Sabbath to glorify you.  Amen. 

Friday:    Lord God, in this season of Lent may we be reminded that you seek mercy rather than sacrifice. Instead of denying ourselves in the body, we resolve to share the spiritual food of Yeshua with our neighbour. Amen.

Saturday:  Heavenly Father, you commanded us to obey and respect our earthly parents as a preparation for obeying and respecting you.  We pray that we would truly learn to honor and respect our parents that we may live long in the land which you have given us.  This we ask in the name of him who obeyed and honored his parents, your son our Lord Yeshua haMoshiach.  Amen. 

Heavenly Father, who gave Polycarp courage and boldness to confess Yeshuah as Messiah, Saviour and Lord and to die for that faith, grant us courage, boldness and faith to imitate him that we may be willing to live and die for you.  This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who livers and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (red)

Readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent: 17 February 2013

Torah:  Genesis 11:1-32

Prophet:  Joshua 15:13-17:18

Writing:  Lamentations 1:1-22

Psalm:  69

Epistle:  I Corinthians 6: 1-20

Gospel:  Matthew 4:1-11

First Sunday in Lent:  Abba, Father, you sent your son Yeshua into the desert to fast and pray.   Grant that we would so grow in the discipline of fasting, prayer, and study, that we would truly grow in knowledge and love of you, that the light of Yeshuah would truly shine through us.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.

February 11:  Loving Saviour, we confess that we can do nothing to earn forgiveness, and we are grateful that you pardon our sins in mercy and grace in accordance with your great love. Thank you, Yeshua. Amen.  (green)

  

Shrove Tuesday:    Lord, grant that we should make such a true confession, that we would truly walk in love and peace with one another that the light of Yeshua would truly shine through us.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God, in glory everlasting.   Amen. (purple before sunset, Lenten array after sunset) (Readings:  Colossians 3:12-17;   Mathew 6:7-15)

Ash Wednesday:  Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and you forgive the sins of all those who are penitent.  Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness of our sins.  We make our prayer through Yeshuah haMoshiach, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one  God, now and forever. (Readings:  Joel 2:1‑2, 12‑17; Psalm 103; 2 Corinthians 5:20b‑6:10; Matthew 6:1‑6, 16‑21)

Thursday:  Blessed Saviour, you were tempted to turn stones to bread to meet your hunger.  Grant that as you turned back Satan’s temptation through Scripture, that we too would truly learn that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God. In your precious name we pray.  Amen. 

Lord our God, you raised Cyril and Methodius to proclaim the Gospel in a hostile land and gave them intellectual gifts to translate, create an alphabet, and teach, so raise up in this and every land bishops and ministers who are willing to persevere to the end in proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)

Friday:  Blessed Saviour, Satan tempted you to proclaim your kingdom through great miracles, yet, you resisted him and proclaimed the Gospel through suffering.  Help us to remember always that we should never tempt you, but follow where you led the way.  This we pray in your precious name.  Amen.

Saturday:  Blessed Saviour, Satan tempted you by offering all the kingdoms of the world, if you would worship him.  Help us to cast off all false gods, that we too may worship God alone.  In your precious name we pray.  Amen.

10 February: Transfiguration

This is the last Sunday before Lent begins, so only three more days to plan for Lent.  If you would like  a guide, email me and I will send you one.  Otherwise, in Lent it is a tradition to give up meat.  It is also a tradition to fast completely on Wednesdays and Fridays.   Lent can be a time of reconciliation and a time to prepare for Baptism.   Or next Baptism will be at the great vigil of Easter.  In addition, Lent is a good time to add things to your life, studying God's word, prayer, mediation, mission work.  Hopefully most things we do for Lent might end up being part of our Christian life permanently.

Torah:  Exodus 24:12-18

Prophet:  III Kings 19:  1-18

Writing:  Job 38: 1-41, 40:1-5

Psalm:  99

Epistle:  Philippians 3:  17-21

Gospel:  Matthew 17:  1-13

Collect:  :  Lord, on the mount of Transfiguration, the glory of the Father truly shone upon you.  Let your power so overshadow us, that conquering sin and death in our lives, that we would join you in healing the sick, raising the dead, proclaiming the kingdom.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen. (gold)

February 4:  Blessed Saviour, by dreams and visions you ensured that Cornelius the Centurion would be the first Christian of the Goyim.  Grant that your Spirit would continue to work in miraculous ways to invite all Jews and Goyim into the kingdom.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen. (white)

February 5:  Heavenly Father, despite much suffering, your church in Japan continued through persecutions.  Grant that we observing their perseverance, would have the courage to follow where they lead the way, proclaiming Christ with our very lives.  This we ask in his most blessed name.  Amen.  (red)

February 6:  Dear Lord, as you raised up Anskar to be missionary to the lands of Germany, Denmark and Sweden, raise up in this and every  generation Bishops who will preach the Gospel and guard the Faith.  This we ask though Yeshua who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (red) (Anskar transferred from Sunday)

February 7:  Savior Lord, so often we think of ourselves more highly than we ought,

dishonoring that holy name we bear and turning aside from that path of holiness and service you have called us to follow. Forgive us, Lord. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green)

February 8:  Your love to mankind on Calvary overwhelms our human understanding,

Lord. Instill in our hearts a greater love for you and for our fellow man; especially those in need of our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen.  (green)

February 9:  Our God, how thankful we are that we need fear no evil for you are with us in spite of fire, floods, earthquake, or tsunami. Your presence sustains us in the midst of the storm. We are so grateful, Lord. Amen.  (green)

3 February, 4th Sunday of Epiphany

As we continue to prepare for Lent, we should look at our prayer life and evangelism.

Torah:  Genesis 9:18-10:32

Prophet:  Joshua 14:1-15:12

Writing:  Sirach 18:1-19:3

Psalm:  3

Epistle:  James 1:19-27

Gospel:  Matthew 9: 1-17

Collect:  Oh Lord, you manifested the kingdom  through acts of great power, remind us always in our hearts that you called us to show mercy and forgiveness and to do the same deeds and greater deeds that you did.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen. (green)

28 January:  Heavenly Father, you strengthened Gregory of Nazianzus through sickness and persecution.  As he was on fire with love for you, so train us up that we may be aflame with your love and share it with all the world.  This we ask through  Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)

29 January:  How recklessly we spend and break ourselves, Bread of life, serving
wealth, pleasure, and ourselves. Despite our best efforts and good
intentions, our deepest hunger is for you. Feed us, Yeshua. Amen.  (green)

30 January:  God of yesterday, today, and forever, may we always remember the blessings we have received in the past, celebrate the joy of living each day, and anticipate your being with us tomorrow in this life or the next. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green)

31 January:  Lord God, forgive us for trusting in our own strength rather than turning to you. Open our hearts and minds that we may invite your spirit to live within us and work through us, as witnesses of your love to our broken and hurting world. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green)

February 1:  We love you, Lord. Teach us to love even as you have loved us. Through

your word, teach us to live as you would have us live and to indeed hold fast to what is good. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green)

February 2:  Father, as this day Yeshuah was presented in the temple, grant that our Lord Yeshuah would present us to you that we may serve you truly in this world and the next.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)

27 January 2013: Septuagesima

As we continue the theme of Jesus' miracles, and the need to proclaim the Gospel, Septuagesima Sunday beings planning for Lent.  This first Sunday of Pr-Lent, we ask people to look at how they spend their time and their money, and to look for a way to deal with time and money  in a way that will glorify God.  While it is for a Lenten discipline, we hope that at lest some of it will become a life long discipline.

Torah:  Genesis 8:1-9:17

Prophet:  Joshua 13:1-33

Writing:  Sirach 16:1-17:32

Psalm:  8

Epistle:  James 1: 12-18

Gospel:  Matthew 8:1-34

Collect:  Blessed Saviour, you cleansed lepers and taught in the synagogues.  So cleanse us by your power and teach us through your  word, that we would shine with grace and truth, that many would come to your kingdom.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKosdesh, one God, in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (Green)

21 January:  Lord Yeshua, who gave even children the strength to stand up for the true faith in face of persecution.  Give us Agnes’s child like faith that we may always witness as to what you have done for us.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)

22 January:  Heavenly Father, as you raised Vincent to be deacon in Saragossa, and gave him eloquence to proclaim and strength to die for his faith, so fill us with your spirit that we would always be ready to proclaim the Gospel and to live and die for Yeshua.  In the name of Yeshua we pray, Amen.  (red)

23 January:  Your love, Yeshua, is truly majestic, soaring higher than poetry or melody. It is the world's brightest hope and deepest dream, but also the
path we walk together and the very air we breathe. Loving God, we praise
you! Amen.  (green)

24 January:  Having you as our advocate, in whose favour we have our being, open our eyes to the needs of others. Make us, by your Spirit, defenders and
upholders, allies of all who suffer. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green). 

25 January:  Lord, as we remember your appearance to St. Paul and his marvellous conversion on this day, so move in our hearts that we would share his passion to proclaim the Gospel.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)

26 January:  Blessed Lord, you raised up Timothy and Titus to be Bishops in your church.  So raise up in this and every generation Bishops who will follow the pure teachings of your blessed word that the church would grow in faith and knowledge and love of you.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (red)

20 January 2013: 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

As we enter the Epiphany season, we look at the miracles of Yeshua, and consider that WE are his witnesses, to the end of the earth.

Torah:  Genesis 6:1-7:24

Prophet:  Joshua 11:1-12:23

Writing:  Sirach 14:20-15:20

Psalm:  33

Epistle:  James 1:1-11

Gospel:  Matthew 4:  2-25

Collect:  Blessed Saviour, you came among us and called us to walk with you in discipleship, healing the sick, casting out demons and proclaiming the kingdom.  Guide us o Lord, that being filled with the power of the Ruach haKodesh that we too would, in the name of Yeshua heal the sick, cast out demons and call people to participate in your kingdom.  This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen. 

14 January:  Glorious God, let the words on our lips and the song in our hearts reflect our gratitude and devotion to you for all we hear and see of your amazing grace and constant love. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green)

15 January:  Messiah our teacher, gentle and humble in heart, help us relate trusting obedience to loving service. May we truly find rest for our souls under the yoke that is easy and the burden that is light. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green)

16 January:  The turning you ask of us, righteous Judge, is away from sin, evil, and selfishness toward the source of goodness and light. Let it also be through us a returning and a sharing of the love you give. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (green)

17 January:  Dear Lord, you raised up Anthony to be a shining light in the desert, encouraging those suffering persecution, and strengthening those tempted by Aryanism, so raise up in this and every generation encouragers to strengthen us in true doctrine.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)

18 January:  Heavenly Father, as we remember Peter’s recognition of Yeshua as the Messiah, help us to truly recognize him as well in heart and mind that we may follow Peter, walking on water, healing the sick, raising the dead, and proclaiming the Gospel.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and governs with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.  (white)

19 January:  Dear Lord, you raised up Miles Coverdale to work on presenting the Bible to the people of England in a language which they could understand.  As he suffered much in this work, yet was faithful to you and your word, raise up in this and every generation men who are good and holy  with a mission to help Christians understand your word.  This we ask in the name of Yeshuah who revealed the Tanakh to the Jews.  Amen.  (white)

First Sunday after Christmas: 30 December

During the 12 Days of Christmas, we remember how Jesus came into the world, to show us the way, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  We should go and do likewise.

Torah:  Genesis 4:1-5:32

Prophet:  Joshua 11:1-12:23

Writing:  Sirach 10:1-11:28

Psalm:  49

Epistle:  Gal 3:23-4:7

Gospel:  Mt. 1:18-25

Collect:  Emanuel, you are the power which created the fiery sun and stars, the galaxies, and all that there is, yet you humbled yourself to be carried in the womb for nine months, and to be a little child, that you could dwell with us and be like us in all aspects save sin.  Grant, Adonai, that we may fully appreciate what you did for us, that we would learn to humble ourselves in your sight, and truly allow Yeshua to be our guide.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh in glory everlasting.  Amen.

24 December: Sacrificial Lord, your incarnation continues to startle the world. There are still those who question the divine mystery of your birth. Those who are touched by your intervention in their lives hail you as their King and Savior. We prepare to welcome you anew this Nativity celebration. This we do in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs  with you in Shekina glory everlasting.  Amen. (violet, gold after Sundown)

25 December:  At your birth upon this earth, Lord we adore you. We worship you and we bless you for indeed you are King of kings and Lord of lords. We receive you anew this day not as the child in the manger, but as our true Savior and Lord. Amen. (gold)

26 December:  Emanuel, you raised up your servant Stephan to a ministry of service and to preach the Gospel.  Teach us like him to forgive those who persecute us, and to be faithful in service and proclaiming your kingdom, this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (red)

27 December:  Emanuel, you raised up John to proclaim the Gospel, to reveal that you are love, and to be Bishop of Ephesus.  Help us to so love one another that the world would see you in us and our behaviour and come to know you as Lord, and Saviour:   this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (white)

28 December:  Emmanuel, as we remember the lives and deaths of those who died when Herod was attempting to kill you, help us to resist tyrants, and to stand strong against those forces today which would destroy innocent lives, whether through neglect or intent:  this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (red)

29 December: Emmanuel, you raised up Thomas  Becket to protect the church against the authorities of this world.  Help us to remember that the church must be in subjection to you and your word, and not to the authorities or whims of this world:  this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (red)